Stephen Curry continues to defy Father Time, matching LeBron James for the most 40-point games by a player aged 35 or older.
Curry recorded his 15th 40-point game since turning 35, tying James for the all-time lead in the category. Michael Jordan sits third with 12 such performances.
The Warriors superstar finished with 40 points in Golden State’s 119-114 win over Minnesota, shooting 11-of-27 from the field and 6-of-16 from three-point range. He made up for his shooting struggles at the line, going a perfect 16-of-16 from the free-throw stripe.
James, meanwhile, has not recorded a 40-point game since February 2025, with the 41-year-old averaging 16.3 points through his first three games of the current season.
Curry also showed off his athleticism, sprinting the length of the floor to dive for a loose ball in the third quarter.
“I think that’s just more indicative of how good I feel, considering the age, the miles, and how last year went, that I even tried it. And had a confidence I could get down there,” Curry said.
Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg was left in awe of Curry’s performance, admitting it can sometimes be easy to become a spectator when the four-time champion gets rolling.
“I caught myself shaking my head, like, wow, a couple times,” Lendeborg said.
He also revealed Draymond Green had to remind him to remain aggressive offensively.
“I mean, I think I just need somebody to cuss me out like Draymond did today. Because I’m just watching like, ‘Man, this guy’s good as hell.’
“…Once he got out the game, it’s like, this is my opportunity to go help him out. Help his great be worth the while.”
Lendeborg finished with 26 points and eight rebounds, but his seven turnovers contributed to Minnesota’s second-half comeback.
Golden State had led by as many as 24 points before the Timberwolves cut the deficit to four late in the game.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr saw a valuable learning opportunity in the rookie’s performance.
“I’m almost glad this happened. He feels terrible in there. He’s not happy. And yet he had 26 points and eight boards. It’s a great lesson for him.”